The Golden Rule: Look Over, Not Through
At our shop in Mitchell South Dakota the first piece of advice the Krew gives any rider is this: You should always be looking over your windshield, not through it. A motorcycle windshield isn't like a car's windshield; it’s an aerodynamic tool designed to move air. The magic of the Flare® Windshield is that its patented "hips" and "flip" allow you to run a shorter shield that performs like a much taller one. By looking over the top, you maintain a clear, unobstructed view of the pavement, which is vital for spotting potholes, gravel, or wildlife.
However, we know that reality happens. If you’re caught in a torrential downpour, you might find yourself ducking down behind the shield for a moment of relief from the stinging rain. In those split seconds, the "transparency" of your shield becomes a safety factor. This is why understanding our Tints and Kolors is critical before you hit the "Buy" button.
If you’re ready to find the height that lets you see the road clearly while keeping the wind off your chest, Shop our full Flare® Windshield Collection here.
Understanding the Tint Spectrum: From Clear to Black
We offer a variety of Tints in our hard-coated polycarbonate material, which is the same high-impact material used in fighter jet canopies.
1. Clear (88% Light Transmission)
Clear windshields offer high visibility with 88% light transmission, making them
a top choice for riders who want an unobstructed view and a way to showcase their custom paint jobs. As more riders seek to highlight unique designs on their fairings, the popularity of the clear Flare® Windshield has risen.
Riders appreciate how it not only provides excellent visibility but also enhances the bike’s overall aesthetic and performance. One rider noted that the clear windshield "complements the shape of the fairing really well," allowing the motorcycle’s design to truly stand out while performing seamlessly on the road.
2. Tint (50% Light Transmission)
The "Medium" Tint is our most versatile option. It’s light enough that you can still see through it in an emergency or at dusk, but it has enough of a "smoke" look to tie the bike’s aesthetics together.
The tint option is our recommendation for taller windshields, especially the Pro-Touring style. With 50% light transmission, this shade balances style and function. It’s perfect for long-distance riders who might encounter a range of lighting conditions, including nighttime hours, where some visibility is essential.
3. Dark Smoke (15% Light Transmission)
Dark Smoke is our best-seller for a reason—it looks mean. It provides an aggressive, blacked-out look that complements almost any paint job. However, because it only lets 15% of light through, it functions like a dark pair of sunglasses. It is excellent for daytime glare, but you will struggle to see through it at night.
4. Black (0% Light Transmission)
Important: You cannot see through our Black Flare®. It is completely opaque. We recommend this option only for our shortest "Sport" heights. Because you can't see through it, it is strictly for riders who are 100% certain they will be looking over the top at all times. If you get caught in the rain and try to duck behind a Black Flare®, you will be riding blind. It’s the ultimate style statement, but it requires the most discipline regarding height selection.
The Kolor® and Ice Series: Custom Style with a Caveat
Our Kolor® and Ice series are made from vibrant, high-end acrylics. These are translucent, meaning light passes through them, but they are not "optically clear" like our polycarbonate shields.
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The Kolor® Series: Provides a deep, rich hue (Red, Blue, Purple, etc.) that acts as a styling accent for your bike.
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The Ice Series: Features a fluorescent edge that glows in the sunlight.
While these colors look incredible under the neon lights of the Sturgis Main Street, they are designed primarily for "Style and Function." Before purchasing a Kolor® Flare, be sure to check with your local DOT and state laws. Some states have specific regulations regarding the color of forward-facing transparent materials on a motor vehicle. We want you to look good, but we want you to stay legal and safe.
Technical Specs: Why We Don't Use "Fluff" Materials
We are the Air Management Experts. Whether you’re on a Harley-Davidson Road Glide or an Indian Challenger, your windshield is under immense pressure.
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Engineered for Exact Fitment: Every shield is cut to the exact specs of your factory mounting holes.
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Materials: We use hard-coated polycarbonate for our Tints for maximum scratch and impact resistance. Our Kolors use specialized acrylic to ensure the color stays vibrant and doesn't yellow or fade under UV exposure.
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Race-Tested: This design isn't just for looks. It was born at the Bonneville Salt Flats to create downforce and stability.
See Our Windshields Up-Close and Personal
Check out this video of Brian and Shelton on Different Flare® Windshield Tint and Kolors
Still stumped on what Kolor your need? Brian lines up our Kolors side-by-side!
People Also Ask (FAQ)
1. Can I see through the Black Flare® Windshield at all?
No. The Black Flare® is 100% opaque. It is designed for riders who prefer a blacked-out aesthetic and who are comfortably looking over the top of the windshield. Do not buy this if you intend to look through your shield at any time.
2. Is the Dark Smoke Flare® safe for night riding?
Because the Dark Smoke only allows about 15% light transmission, we do not recommend looking through it at night. If your Flare® is sized correctly so that you are looking over the top, it is perfectly fine for night riding, as your field of vision remains unobstructed.
3. Are the Kolor® Flare Windshields legal in my state?
Laws regarding windshield colors vary significantly by state and country. Some regions require windshields to be clear or a specific shade of smoke. Always check your local Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations before installing a Kolor® or Ice series shield.
4. What happens if it rains and I have a Dark Smoke or Black shield?
This is exactly why we recommend looking over the shield. In the rain, water beads on the surface and can distort your vision. If you have a Dark Smoke or Black shield, you cannot "duck" behind it to see clearly. Ensure your shield is low enough that you can see the road over the top even when you are seated in a natural riding position.
5. How do I know if I have the right height to "look over"?
A good rule of thumb is to have the top of the Flare® Windshield level with the tip of your nose or your mustache area. This allows you to look over the shield to see the road 30-50 feet in front of you, while the "flip" of the Flare® kicks the air over your helmet.
